The Hawthorn By Galway Bay To Boost Hotel Tourism With Ireland’s Newest Five-Star Resort In 2026!

Published on December 6, 2025

Galway, Ireland is about to get back its position on the luxury hotel map of Ireland with the opening of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a five-star hotel whose opening is scheduled for Spring 2026 on the beautiful Atlantic coast near Oranmore. The hotel is located right at the edge of Galway Bay where the ocean air, lovely coastal area and peaceful farm land meet, the hotel is going to offer a lot more than just luxurious rooms; it is going to change the perception of the west coast of Ireland as a tourist destination.

A long-cherished vision brought to life

The concept behind The Hawthorn has roots stretching back decades. The resort stands on the grounds of the famed championship golf course originally designed by Christy O’Connor Jr., a Ryder Cup legend whose 1989 exploits cemented his place in Irish sporting lore.

What was once simply a golf resort has been reimagined over the past decade by Connacht Hospitality Group, the developer behind the new hotel, which gradually assembled the land, assets and expertise required to realise the project.

According to the group, the hotel will boast 114 guestrooms, including 47 Junior Suites and 17 Penthouse Suites; some of these suites can be joined to form multi-generational family residences with private entrances.

What guests can look forward to: comfort, cuisine, calm and coast

Rooms & Suites: refined comfort with coastal soul

Guestrooms and suites at The Hawthorn have been designed to reflect the wild beauty and calm of the Atlantic, with bespoke furnishings, spa-inspired bathrooms and interiors shaped by natural materials that evoke understated elegance.

Many rooms offer sweeping views over Galway Bay or the tranquil woods of Rinville, giving guests a sense of place, a reminder of where they are and what makes the west of Ireland distinct.

Dining & social spaces: local flavours with thoughtful design

At the heart of the hotel’s culinary offering is the signature restaurant The Skylark, where live cooking and locally inspired ingredients promise a taste of the region’s land and sea.

There will also be a bar, The Oyster Catcher Bar, whose panoramic windows overlook the golf course and Galway Bay, ideal for a post-round drink or a relaxed evening toast.

For more intimate or unique experiences, the hotel plans to offer spaces such as a Wine Cellar, a Whiskey Room, and even a Chocolate Laboratory, adding a sense of occasion and exclusivity beyond the everyday hotel stay.

Wellness & relaxation: spa, serenity and sea breezes

One of the anchors of the Hawthorn experience will be the spa, branded as The Spa at The Hawthorn, a destination wellness retreat where guests can unwind after golf, sightseeing or simply the pace of modern life. Thermal and hydrotherapy zones, holistic treatment rooms and restorative spaces are designed to embody calm, offering a chance to reconnect with body and mind.

For those craving outdoor activity, the hotel’s location lends itself to walking and running trails, as well as sailing and sea-safari excursions along the famed Wild Atlantic Way, a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Golf: championship course meets resort luxury

For golf enthusiasts, staying at The Hawthorn also means immediate access to the 18-hole championship course at Galway Bay Golf, designed by Christy O’Connor Jr., this par-72 course spans some 7,300 yards and offers striking sea views from almost every hole.

Whether you’re an avid golfer seeking a serious round or a casual visitor wanting a leisurely game in scenic surroundings, the course promises a memorable experience that blends natural beauty, coastal winds and expertly crafted greens.

A boost for Galway’s tourism and hospitality sector

The opening of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is more than just the debut of a luxury hotel, it is a significant milestone for Galway’s tourism infrastructure. As the first new five-star property in the region in over two decades, the hotel can attract a new segment of travellers seeking high-end comfort, coastal escape, and curated experiences.

With 114 rooms, suites, and penthouses; fine dining; spa and wellness offerings; and immediate access to a championship golf course and the Wild Atlantic Way, the hotel provides a holistic package that strengthens Galway’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

Moreover, the project itself is expected to generate considerable employment. According to the developers, the construction and subsequent operation of the resort will create around 200 jobs, and once open it will expand the group’s workforce substantially, underlining the economic benefit the hotel brings to the region.

The combination of luxury hospitality, world-class golf, sustainable design and immersive West-of-Ireland charm may well position The Hawthorn as a flagship destination, one that could encourage longer stays, higher-spending visitors, and a shift from short city breaks to full-fledged coastal retreats.

The Hawthorn experience: where elegance meets authenticity

From the moment guests step through the doors of The Hawthorn, the tone is one of calm, considered luxury, a place where design, comfort and nature come together. Soft lighting, bespoke furnishings, and thoughtful touches signal that this is a hotel designed for more than convenience: it is crafted for becoming part of the landscape.

Dining becomes more than a meal, it becomes a story of place through locally sourced ingredients, seafood from the coast, and seasonal produce. The bar and tasting rooms invite connection, to place, to flavour, to memorable moments. For wellness seekers, the spa offers a chance to slow time, to restore, to reset.

Future prospects: a fresh period for Galway tourist trade

Coming to the end of 2026, an advanced access point to the West of Ireland will be available for all kinds of tourists, gamblers, health fanatics, and basically, everyone who enjoys the various forms of culture. With The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, Galway is not merely increasing its hotel supply, the city is allowing a new horizon for tourists in Ireland.

Image Credit: The Hawthorn by Galway Bay